Vane and Ray's Swan/Dolphin wedding!!

[MyMelody]

I want to post about my wedding to show other brides that if a DFTW is not in your budget you can still dream a little and still be close enough to the magic.. There is not enough info for Swan/Dolphin so I hope I can help a lot of other brides that are trying to plan. I am also sure that most brides looking for pictures and info are looking at super outdated pictures.

It is actually a beautiful hotel! In person it is stunning. I will try to post as much as possible, but it might take till after my wedding passes for you to get a full idea..


When I began my planning, we were going to have our wedding at Disney. As many other brides know, DFTW gets expensive really quickly, especially since an escape for us would not work cause our immediate family will take us over 20 guest.

Let me start off with a few pictures of the Swan/Dolphin for those who have never been there or don't remember it all..

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/swandolphin-3.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/swan.jpg


Most Swan/Dolphin Brides go with Just Marry but I took another route and could not be happier :goodvibes an employee from the hotel recommended that I use this other planner and she is AMZING!!


So now it's time to start my PJ!!!

[MyMelody]

Okay a little bit about us..

We have been together for 10 years of which 7 of them we have been living together. He is my rock and I could not be happier than to marry my bestfriend, my love and the father of my children!!


There are several location you can get married at the Swan/Dolphin..

This is a map of the hotels

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/map-1.jpg

There is Crescent Terrace this a beautiful area. It is right next to the waterway, and you can hear and see the boats from there. It is between the Dolphin and The Boardwalk.

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/swanlocation.gif


The Beach is between the Swan and Dolphin...

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/47741559_soulis_dolphin_and_swan_ho.jpg

East Couryard This will work for a small wedding it has a beautiful fountain..

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/pic_lv_outdoor_eastcrtyard.jpg


So far we have decided with Crescent Terrace.. It is a very beautiful location with lots trees and greenery which I think will look beautiful in pictures.

I have decided to go with a Vintage Theme because we wanted something fun that showed off a bit of our personality.. Our Colors are Red Black and White..

[dhay]

Can't wait to hear more!!!!!!!!!

[MyMelody]

Here we are many years ago :goodvibes

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/us1-1.jpg


This is our family today!!:lovestruc


http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/TristinsBirthday054.jpg




I am very excited about our wedding!!

This is My Dress.....

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/mydress.jpg


DF is going to wear....

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/GroomandTrist.jpg


My Bridesmaids will be wearing....

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/8344larger.jpg


My Groomsmen and Ring Bearer.....


http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/GM.jpg


My flower Girl will be in this little adorable dress

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/51sdKTzEwoL__SS500_.jpg

[MyMelody]

Flower girl shoes and hair accessory

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/wedding001-1.jpghttp://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/wedding064.jpg


Bridesmaids Shoes and Hair accessories
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/41fWumnya2L__AA260_.jpghttp://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/wedding067.jpg

The guys are going to have the Red pocket square
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/pocket.jpg

For a fun look they will be in these http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/shoes.jpg

I myself will be wearing a birdcage veil, which I love! Don't have any pictures yet..

[MyMelody]

Well, I must get the kids ready for bed so I will try to post more later or tomorrow...


Must show you my Invitations that just arrived!! They are AMAZING!!

[MainStMandy]

Hi and congratulations!! I love the vintage look!! And your dress is gorgeous!!

[DisneyBrideToni]

Yay Vanessa!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited for your PJ! I love everything so far. It is very retro!! Love it!

Your dress is gorgeous!!! :goodvibes

[DisneyFairy19]

AGHHHHH Everything is beautiful... I wont be able to sneak up there and watch you get married:guilty: But I cant wait to see the pics

[Bolanette87]

Everything looks stunning!!! Love the vintage look! :thumbsup2

Bob xoxox

[keenercam]

V, my dear friend, I get more and more excited for you with each passing day!! :woohoo: Your "look" is so gorgeous!! You are totally going to knock Ray's socks off! And I can't wait to see pix of the kids - they will look so wonderful!
LOVE all the red accents and won't Andrew be jealous when he hears that he could have worn his red converse hi-tops when he was Howard's best man? LOL!

I can't wait to see and hear more. It is so nice of you to help other potential Swan/Dolphin brides when I know you are so busy finalizing plans for your wedding. :hug:

And I totally can't wait for you to post pix of your incredible, stunning, stylish invitations for everyone to see. :banana:

[MyMelody]

Can't wait to hear more!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Dawn!! Miss you

Hi and congratulations!! I love the vintage look!! And your dress is gorgeous!!

Thank you so much Amanda, I am so excited!

Yay Vanessa!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited for your PJ! I love everything so far. It is very retro!! Love it!

Your dress is gorgeous!!! :goodvibes

Thanks Toni!!! I must admit you gave me lots of ideas when I started thinking about the colors and theme!

AGHHHHH Everything is beautiful... I wont be able to sneak up there and watch you get married:guilty: But I cant wait to see the pics

Christina :hug: I really wish you could come.... I was lucky to see you and I would have like to have you there!

Everything looks stunning!!! Love the vintage look! :thumbsup2

Bob xoxox

Thank you:goodvibes

V, my dear friend, I get more and more excited for you with each passing day!! :woohoo: Your "look" is so gorgeous!! You are totally going to knock Ray's socks off! And I can't wait to see pix of the kids - they will look so wonderful!
LOVE all the red accents and won't Andrew be jealous when he hears that he could have worn his red converse hi-tops when he was Howard's best man? LOL!

I can't wait to see and hear more. It is so nice of you to help other potential Swan/Dolphin brides when I know you are so busy finalizing plans for your wedding. :hug:

And I totally can't wait for you to post pix of your incredible, stunning, stylish invitations for everyone to see. :banana:

Thank you so much for your kind words Cam :hug: you always put a smile on my face....

[Disney-Bride2010]

Vanessa I am getting so excited for you!!! You have done a wonderful job pulling everything together and I know you are going to have an amazing wedding!!

[padisneyfour]

Vanessa, everything looks wonderful! the red really make everything pop!:goodvibesLove the shoes and head pieces! You will have a beautiful wedding! enjoy!

[MyMelody]

Thanks Ladies :goodvibes



Sorry I have not updated.. I was actually out of town at Disney with the kids for MNSSHP but I am back and let me tell you I am now even more excited to get back for the wedding... Only 39 days to go :woohoo:


So I got my invitations and let me tell you I am in :lovestruc with them!!
They came out beautiful!!! The girls who made them are starting out a new company and I think they are going to be a huge hit!

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/10233_306854525267_714480267_913805.jpg

[MyMelody]

Okay so here are a few more things I have not posted...

Every room is getting a Welcome bag.. I have decided to use those cute Disney bags they sell at the Disney store... They will contain the Bare Necessities. They will contain Tylenol, Lint Brush, Shout, Bandaids and Hand Sanitizer.. They will also contain Bottled water, snacks, chocolate and Welcome Folder with Welcome letter and games..

Here are the chocolate candy jars http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/wedding008-2.jpg

On the day of the wedding every guest room will be also receive another Bag... These are gift bags with Glass Martini Glasses, Vodka Bottles that have a label that Say (Drink Me) they will also have a Chinese take out boxe with Sugar Cookies and Say (Eat Me)..

Here are the Bags and the Take Out boxes
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/wedding001-2.jpghttp://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/Takeout.jpg

[MyMelody]

Here are my Petal Cones...

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/008-1.jpghttp://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/005-1.jpg

My cake will look something like this but with a fresh rose topper of bright red roses and Black Magic roses
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/cakeyum-1.jpg

I want the I do sign in Black for the Cake table
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/2858956654_412230a2fe.jpg

Then my bouquet will be something like this and his boutonnière to match with crystals...
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/mybouquet1.jpg

Our transportation for the guest and myself will be The Crystler 300 which is amazing...
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/_chrysler_300_limo_in_orlando_flori.jpg

[keenercam]

Okay, now I am TOTALLY blown-away. How the heck did you get all of that accomplished? I know you are a busy Mom of 2. Seriously, just recently your to-do list was like 3 miles long and now you have all of that done, and so beautifully. :woohoo:

I am so happy for you. :cloud9: You deserve a perfect, blessed day. Your guests are going to feel totally pampered and appreciated. :hug: Everything looks beautiful! :thumbsup2

(okay, it's obvious I was in a smilie-happy mood. LOL!)

[MyMelody]

Okay, now I am TOTALLY blown-away. How the heck did you get all of that accomplished? I know you are a busy Mom of 2. Seriously, just recently your to-do list was like 3 miles long and now you have all of that done, and so beautifully. :woohoo:

I am so happy for you. :cloud9: You deserve a perfect, blessed day. Your guests are going to feel totally pampered and appreciated. :hug: Everything looks beautiful! :thumbsup2

(okay, it's obvious I was in a smilie-happy mood. LOL!)

Thank you Cam, it was about time I started finishing up things!!

By the way LOVE your smilie-happy mood :goodvibes

[princess22]

Just found your PJ and everything looks great! I'm right there with you as a bride who wanted a Disney wedding but found something more reasonable that was close enough to the magic!!!

I love everything you have done so far. It all looks so elegant and classy. Your dress and the BM and FG dresses are gorgeous! Your big day is going to be here before you know it!! Can't wait to read more!

[MyMelody]

Thank you for the nice compliments!!:goodvibes

I am getting excited!!

[katydidbug1]

Just wanted to stop by and leave some love on your PJ....everything looks wonderful....can't wait to see pics :lovestruc Love ya sweetie!!

[MyMelody]

Thanks Cait!!


I am off to do Welcome letter, Gift Bag tags :)

[DisneyBrideToni]

Wow Vanessa I can't wait to see your pictures!!!

Love your invitations! They are gorgeous.

Your welcome bags are awesome! Your guests are going to be so spoiled. I wish I was coming. :lmao:

All of your decorations are so pretty! I love black and red together!

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Everything looks great! Looking forward to reading more :goodvibes.

[DisneyFairy19]

Girl you are doing awesome... I cant wait to see your beautiful day

[MyMelody]

We have been back but very busy, I must type my wedding report for all you girls...:goodvibes

My Swan/Dolphin wedding was my Perfect Disney wedding! I could not be happier with the way everything turned out.. My planner was AMAZING and I loved my pictures with Randy....

I will start my report soon with pictures...

[pink_tink8i8]

wow, everything looks great so far! :goodvibes

[MyMelody]

Sorry I have been so busy but I am going to take some time off this weekend to start adding my TR....

[MyMelody]

We have been at Disney for 3 days and it's time to get things ready for our guest that should start to arrive today :banana:

I was going to check out of the All Star Movies and head to The Coronado Springs so time to move everything out...

Here are out Welcome bags ready..

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/WeddingandFamilymoon003.jpghttp://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/WeddingandFamilymoon001-1.jpg

Each contained = Bandaids, tylenol, lint brush, germx, shout, cheerios, bottled water, fudge strip cookies, granola bars, munchies snack mix, fruit bars and some other things I just can't remember...


So it's Friday December 11, 2009 we had to check out with all our stuff and also go to our meeting /rehearsal with out wedding planner.... Let me tell you this lady is AMAZING!!! I'll tell you why a little later :goodvibes

We then drove back to the Coronado Springs to get some things ready for the guest and we also took some time to make a list and get what we needed if anything was missing...

When I arrive there I check in give the lady in the front counter our Welcome bags and go back to my room to start getting the other bags ready.. The other bags are gift that were going to have delivered the day of the wedding to our guest..


Our Room which I :lovestruc that bed is so good!!
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/WeddingandFamilymoon009-1.jpg
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/WeddingandFamilymoon004.jpg
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/WeddingandFamilymoon005.jpg

Time to start on my guest bags..
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/WeddingandFamilymoon007-1.jpg
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/WeddingandFamilymoon010.jpg

My bottles had a little label that said "Drink Me"
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/WeddingandFamilymoon012.jpg
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/WeddingandFamilymoon013.jpg


My amazing Cookies done by "Mikkel" I was in love with them the moment I saw them!!

Not only were they beautiful and just what I wanted but the taste so GOOD!!!

The main cookie said "Eat Me"
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/WeddingandFamilymoon022-1.jpg

Here are the cookies in the Box
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/WeddingandFamilymoon026.jpg

Here is what my guest got the morning of the wedding..
There were 2 Martini Glasses, Vodka Bottle, M&M jar,
some Amazing Sugar Cookies and a Christmas Ornament...
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m226/Meltri1124/WeddingandFamilymoon029.jpg

[lpizzuro123]

Wow, things look great and I love that wedding photo of you two. Can't wait to read more.

Linda

[MyMelody]

The reason I said my planner was amazing!!

When driving into the location I got so excited I called her she told me where to park and headed in the lobby to meet her...

First we walked out towards our wedding location "Crescent Terrace" We went through how I wanted the seating, the decorations, the sand table, the cake table, the harpist, the order of the couples, the names of everyone and pretty much had a small rehearsal just Her, the kids and us...

It was a bit chilly so we went back indoors and talked about a VERY important issue to me.. What happens if it rains?? The forcast called for a rainy Saturday and I did not want an indoor wedding.. She gave me my options and asked me what I wanted to do if it got cold, I told her well I guess we will have to freeze for 30 minutes :rotfl: she said if that is what I want, that is what I will get...

I also had one more HUGE request for her... I told her I wanted all of my guest to go in through the Dolphin so that they could enjoy the HUGE tree with train and Santa who is there every evening... She said that was no issue and that it would go as planned.. I felt happier at this moment and everything felt perfect!!

We only had a few phone conversations and a few emails prior to this meeting... She knew exactly what I wanted, she confirmed everything with me and let me tell you that everything was exactly what I wished for.. She took all my stress away :thumbsup2

We then went outside to our cars together and I gave her everything I had for her so that DH could put it in her car and she said she would see me at about 3pm at the AKL with my flowers... She also said she would call me in the morning so that she can touch base with me and all the vendors for me. I felt a huge weight lift off my shoulders...